About BirdCare Aotearoa

BirdCare Aotearoa wild bird hospital for native birds is a charitable organization and Department of Conservation permitted wildlife rehabilitation center. With a highly professional and experienced team, we offer a holistic service with a breadth of care unlike any other avian hospital and rehabilitation center in Aotearoa. Our staff are highly regarded and we are known for being at the forefront of bird care and rehabilitation.

As professional wildlife rehabilitators, we follow the guidelines of the Department of Conservation and the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand (WReNNZ).

The BCA team is led by General Manager Carl Ashworth, who has extensive zoological experience working with birds for over 20 years in the UK and NZ, including leading the bird team at Auckland Zoo. Dr Lynn Miller, GM from 2019-2023 continues to provide guidance and support to the clinical team as our Clinical and Training Advisor, and BirdCare Aotearoa is affiliated with her new training organization WildWays. Dr Lynn Miller is currently the only wildlife rehabilitator in Aotearoa to hold the Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) qualification, issued by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (NWRA). We follow the Code of Professional Ethics, established by the IWRC and NWRA and practiced by all Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators (CWR) as a condition of their unique qualification. The clinical team are also supported by supervising vet Berend Westera, who has provided guidance and advice for many years.

Collaboration is central to our work. We are a member of WReNNZ and we work closely with individuals and organizations, nationally and internationally, to ensure we use the depth of expertise and knowledge available. We share our knowledge in a variety of ways, including by providing technical, research, and educational support to frontline responders, other rehabilitation facilities, veterinarians, academic institutions, and communities throughout Aotearoa and globally.

Our Team

We are a small, highly dedicated team consisting of veterinary, hospital managers, rehabilitators, research coordinators and administrational support. We also employ seasonal nursery assistants and seasonal outdoor rehabilitators. We are supported by a large group of wonderful volunteers who are an integral part of our team.

Our Board

Our Board Members are responsible for the strategy and governance of BirdCare Aotearoa.

Our Mission and Values

Our mission is to provide care, rehabilitation, and release services for New Zealand’s wild birds, alongside engaging in research and education for communities.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to use our strengths and capabilities:

• to provide rehabilitation, care, and release services for wild birds, and engagement, research and learning services for people and communities,

• in a way that assists the wellbeing of the wild birds of Aotearoa New Zealand; and assists people and communities to grow their love and care for the wild birds of their place,

• ensuring consistency with Te Tiriti o Waitangi,

• to assist other movements, groups and organizations who are endeavoring to promote activities designed to support birds, the environment and learning,

• so that a healthy and safe relationship is built and strengthened between wildlife and human communities of Aotearoa New Zealand; one that is reciprocal in contributing to the health and wellbeing of both parties, and the environment we share.

Our purpose statement acknowledges there are many players contributing to the overall outcome to which BirdCare Aotearoa contributes; acknowledges that each has strengths and capabilities, including BirdCare Aotearoa; and that by using those strengths and capabilities, each is able to play a complementary and collaborative role towards the overall outcome.